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Bush`s Africa trip causes political ripples at home
Abuja (Nigeria), July 13: Campaigning for Presidential polls, George W Bush declared that Africa `doesn`t fit into the national strategic interests as far as I can see them.` Terror attacks and two wars later, President Bush sees things differently.
Abuja (Nigeria), July 13: Campaigning for Presidential polls, George W Bush declared that Africa "doesn't fit into the national strategic interests as far as I can see them." Terror attacks and two wars later, President Bush sees things differently.
His five-nation African excursion has been short on sightseeing and ceremony and long on talking strategic interests. "Trips are fine," Bush suggests. "But what's more
important is policy."
This from a President who came to office with little experience or apparent curiosity in foreign policy.
From the war on aids and hunger to offering promises on trade and investment, to weighing in on regional conflicts, Bush plunged into difficult and complex problems at every stop. His intensity on Africa surprised some in his own party and produced unusual political ripples at home.
The President returns to Washington to find democrats applauding his bold 15 billion dollar aids initiative, while some Congressional Republican leaders are trying to scale it back.
The prospect of committing US troops to an international peacekeeping force in Liberia is drawing some of the strongest reservations from Republicans. Senate armed services committee chairman John Warner, for instance, wants bush to seek prior Congressional authorization. But the Congressional Black Caucus is supporting intervention. And House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi told reporters she supports US participation in such a force.
Bureau Report
This from a President who came to office with little experience or apparent curiosity in foreign policy.
From the war on aids and hunger to offering promises on trade and investment, to weighing in on regional conflicts, Bush plunged into difficult and complex problems at every stop. His intensity on Africa surprised some in his own party and produced unusual political ripples at home.
The President returns to Washington to find democrats applauding his bold 15 billion dollar aids initiative, while some Congressional Republican leaders are trying to scale it back.
The prospect of committing US troops to an international peacekeeping force in Liberia is drawing some of the strongest reservations from Republicans. Senate armed services committee chairman John Warner, for instance, wants bush to seek prior Congressional authorization. But the Congressional Black Caucus is supporting intervention. And House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi told reporters she supports US participation in such a force.
Bureau Report